Sitting Bull (circa 1831–1890) was a Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux holy man known for his steadfast opposition to the intrusion of the U.S. government into Sioux lands. Sitting Bull’s “vision” of the defeat of American troops prior to the Battle of Little Bighorn proved prescient, indeed, and it was largely through his leadership and inspiration that the Cheyenne and Sioux decisively overcame Custer’s 7th Cavalry. One Bull, Sitting Bull’s nephew, likewise played a pivotal role at Little Bighorn, stemming the initial cavalry attack led by Major Marcus Reno and thereby enabling the Lakota women and children to flee. Rare ink signatures, “Sitting Bull” and “One Bull,” on the reverse of an unengrossed 7 x 2.75 check from the First National Bank of Lafayette, Indiana. The lower left corner bears an ink notation in another hand, “St. Paul, M[arc]h 19, 1884.” Vertical fold through one letter of each signature, a few very subtle wrinkles, and faint show-through of printing on reverse, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a 1963 receipt from Texas autograph dealer Conway Barker, who sold the signatures for $30.00.
At the time of signing, Sitting Bull and One Bull were in St. Paul at the invitation of James McLaughlin, the Indian agent of Standing Rock Reservation, whose aim was to demonstrate the “superiority” of white civilization. During the week long visit, Sitting Bull toured a newspaper plant, the State Capital, and a cathedral, viewed a demonstration of fire engines, and took his first ride on an elevator. Individual signatures of Sitting Bull and One Bull—particularly such crisp and boldly penned examples—are of great scarcity. The combination of both on a single item elevate this particular piece to the upper echelon of Old West collectibles. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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